Submergible stool

ABSTRACT

A submergible stool includes a body having a top, a bottom spaced from the top, and a sidewall extending between the top and the bottom and defining an enclosed interior cavity extending between the top, the bottom, and the sidewall. A first aperture is formed in the sidewall proximate the bottom and extends from the enclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the stool. A second aperture is formed in the sidewall proximate the top and extends from the enclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the stool. The apertures are positioned such that when the stool is placed in a body of water, water will flow into the interior cavity through the first aperture, air will be forced out of the second aperture, and the stool will sink to a bottom of the body of water in an upright position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS DATA

This application is a continuation application which claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/025,071, filed on Sep. 18, 2020,issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 11,540,640, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD

Aspects of this invention relate generally to a stool, and, inparticular, to a stool that can be submerged in a body of water andright itself to an upright position suitable for a user to sit on.

BACKGROUND

Individuals may often float in a swimming pool in order to cool off andsocialize with others. The individuals may rest on inflatable devicesthat float in the pool. Individuals may also place stools, chairs, orother objects in the pool in order to provide seating.

It would be desirable to provide a stool that is submergible andprovides seating for individuals in a swimming pool. Particular objectsand advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is,those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology,in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detaileddescription of certain embodiments.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention may be used to advantageously provide asubmergible stool that can right itself when dropped into a body ofwater.

In accordance with a first aspect, a submergible stool includes a bodyhaving a top, a bottom spaced from the top, and a sidewall extendingbetween the top and the bottom and defining an enclosed interior cavityextending between the top, the bottom, and the sidewall. A firstaperture is formed in the sidewall proximate the bottom and extends fromthe enclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the stool. A secondaperture is formed in the sidewall proximate the top and extends fromthe enclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the stool. The aperturesare positioned such that when the stool is placed in a body of water,water will flow into the interior cavity through the first aperture, airwill be forced out of the second aperture, and the stool will sink to abottom of the body of water in an upright position.

In accordance with another aspect, a submergible stool includes a bodyhaving a top, a bottom spaced from the top, and a sidewall extendingbetween the top and the bottom and defining an enclosed interior cavityextending between the top, the bottom, and the sidewall. A firstaperture is formed in the sidewall proximate the bottom and extends fromthe enclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the stool. An additionalfirst aperture is formed in the sidewall proximate the bottom andopposite the first aperture, and extends from the enclosed cavity to anexterior of the stool. A second aperture is formed in the sidewallproximate the top and extends from the enclosed interior cavity to anexterior of the stool. A recess extends inwardly from an outer surfaceof the sidewall and includes a bottom surface and a rear wall extendingupwardly and inwardly from a rear edge of the bottom surface; the firstaperture being positioned in the recess. A peripheral wall extendsupwardly about a portion of the top and defines a seat. A plurality ofthreaded recesses extend upwardly into the bottom. Each of a pluralityof legs is received in one of the recesses and includes a cover havingexterior threads engaging threads of the one of the recesses and acavity, and a weight received in the cavity of the cover. The aperturesare positioned such that when the stool is placed in a body of water,water will flow into the interior cavity through the first aperture andthe additional first aperture, air will be forced out of the secondaperture, and the stool will sink to a bottom of the body of water in anupright position.

From the foregoing disclosure, it will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experiencedin this area of technology, that preferred embodiments of a submergiblestool may provide a significant technological advance that allows thesubmergible stool to be deposited in a body of water and come to rest ina vertical in-use condition. These and additional features andadvantages will be further understood from the following detaileddisclosure of certain preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a submergible stool.

FIG. 2 is a schematic elevation view of the submergible stool of FIG. 1positioned in a pool with a user seated on the submergible stool.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the submergible stool of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of submergible stool seen in a conditionwhere it is sinking in a body of water.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, partially broken away, showing a seat ofthe submergible stool of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the submergible stool of FIG. 1 ,seen with a leg prior to being inserted into a recess of the stool.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of leg of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of the submergiblestool of FIG. 1 seated on an inclined bottom of a pool.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of asubmergible stool.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of asubmergible stool.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, partially broken away, of thread clips onthreads of the leg of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the leg of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 13 is an elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of asubmergible stool.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view of yet another alternative embodiment of asubmergible stool.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a submergible stool with a base spacedfrom the body of the stool.

FIG. 16 is a section view of the submergible stool of FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a submergible stool with telescopinglegs.

FIG. 18 is a section view of the submergible stool of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of a submergiblestool with a weighted base.

FIG. 20 is an elevation view of the submergible stool of FIG. 19 on aninclined bottom of a pool.

FIG. 21 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of a submergiblestool with an air filled cavity proximate a top of the stool.

FIG. 22 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of a submergiblestool with a weighted base.

FIG. 23 is a section view of the submergible stool of FIG. 22 , shownwith the base angled with respect to body of the stool.

FIG. 24 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of asubmergible stool with adjustable legs.

FIG. 25 is an elevation view of the submergible stool of FIG. 24 shownon an inclined bottom of a pool.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the submergible stool of FIG. 24 .

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment of asubmergible stool.

FIG. 28 is a section view of the submergible stool of FIG. 27 shown onan inclined bottom of a pool.

FIG. 29 is an elevation view, partially broken away, of yet anotheralternative embodiment of a submergible stool having a base rotatablewith respect to the body of the stool.

FIG. 30 is an elevation view of the submergible stool of FIG. 29 shownon an inclined bottom of a pool.

FIG. 31 is an elevation view of a further alternative embodiment of asubmergible stool.

FIG. 32 is an elevation view of a set of legs configured to be used withthe submergible stool of FIG. 31 .

FIG. 33 is a section view, partially broken away, of an adjustable legfor a submergible stool.

FIG. 34 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a submergible stoolshown on an inclined bottom of a pool.

FIG. 35 is an elevation view of the leg of the submergible stool of FIG.34 .

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale andshould be understood to provide a representation of the invention,illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of thesubmergible stool depicted in the drawings have been enlarged ordistorted relative to others to facilitate explanation andunderstanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings forsimilar or identical components and features shown in variousalternative embodiments. Submergible stools as disclosed herein wouldhave configurations and components determined, in part, by the intendedapplication and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. An embodiment ofa submergible stool 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-2 . For convenience, theterms “upper” and “lower” and “top” and “bottom” are used herein todifferentiate between the upper and lower ends of submergible stool 10and particular components of the stool. It is to be appreciated that“upper” and “lower” and “top” and “bottom” are used only for ease ofdescription and understanding and that they are not intended to limitthe possible spatial orientations of the submergible stool or itscomponents during assembly or use.

The term “substantially”, as used herein, is meant to mean mostly, oralmost the same as, within the constraints of sensible commercialengineering objectives, costs, manufacturing tolerances, andcapabilities in the field of submergible stool manufacturing and use.Similarly, the term “approximately” as used herein is meant to meanclose to, or about a particular value, within the constraints ofsensible commercial engineering objectives, costs, manufacturingtolerances, and capabilities in the field of submergible stoolmanufacturing and use.

Stool 10 may include a body 11 including a top 12 and a bottom 14 spacedfrom top 12 and configured to rest on the bottom surface 16 of a body ofwater 18, such as a pool 20, for example, as seen in FIG. 2 . A sidewall22 of body 11 may extend between top 12 and bottom 14 and define anouter peripheral surface of stool 10.

Stool 10 may include a peripheral wall 24 extending around a portion oftop 12 of stool 10 and defining a seat 26 upon which a user 23 may sitwhile stool 10 is submerged in pool 20. In the illustrated embodiment,peripheral wall 24 extends along opposed sides 28 of stool 10 and arounda back or rear 30 of stool 10, leaving a front 32 of stool 10 exposed.

A recess 34 may be formed in front 32 of stool 10. Recess 34 may includea bottom surface 36 proximate bottom 14 of stool 10, a rear wall 38extending upwardly and forwardly from a rear edge 40 of bottom surface36, and a pair of opposed recess sidewalls 42 that extend forwardly fromrear wall 38.

Bottom surface 36 of recess 34 may act as a footrest upon which user 23may rest their feet when stool 10 is seated in pool 20. Bottom surface36 may be sloped downwardly from rear edge 40 to a front edge 44thereof, which may be more comfortable for the feet of user 23 when theyare seated on stool 10.

As seen in FIG. 2 , pool 20 may have a depth A measured from a topsurface 46 of its deck 48 to its bottom surface 16, while water 18 mayhave a depth B within pool 20. Deck 48 may have a thickness C where itextends outwardly over water 18 in pool 20. Pool 20 may be filled suchthat the upper surface of water 18 is spaced from a bottom edge of deck48 by a distance D. Stool 10 may have a height H.

In certain embodiments, depth A may be approximately 36 inches, depth Bmay be approximately 30 inches, thickness C may be approximately 2inches, distance D may be approximately 4 inches, and height H may beapproximately 21.5 inches. Such an embodiment illustrates an example ofwhen the deck SS of pool 20 is positioned approximately at table heightwith respect to user 23 when they are seated on stool 10, as seen inFIG. 2 . It is to be appreciated that stool 10 can be configured to havea different height H to accommodate being positioned at a greater depthwithin pool 20, as discussed in greater detail below. As illustrated inFIG. 1 , stool 10 may have a width W and a depth DP. In certainembodiments, width W may be approximately 18.12 inches, and depth DP maybe approximately 18.25 inches.

As seen in FIG. 3 , top 12, bottom 14, and sidewall 22 may enclose anddefine an interior cavity 50 of stool 10. A first aperture 52 may beformed in sidewall 22 proximate bottom 14 in front 32 of stool 10, andmay extend through sidewall 22 from interior cavity 50 to an exterior ofstool 10. A second aperture 54 may be formed in sidewall 22 proximatetop 12 in rear 30 of stool 10, and may extend through sidewall 22 frominterior cavity 50 to an exterior of stool 10. In the illustratedembodiment, first aperture 52 is formed in rear wall 38 of recess 34,and second aperture 54 is formed in peripheral wall 24.

First aperture 52 and second aperture 54 are positioned and configuredsuch that when stool 10 is placed and submerged in a body of water, likepool 20, water 18 will flow into interior cavity 50 through firstaperture 52 in the direction of arrow F, and air will be forced out ofsecond aperture 54 in the direction of arrow X. As interior cavity 50fills with water 18 and air leaves interior cavity 50, stool 10 willsink to bottom 16 of pool 20. As illustrated in FIG. 4 , stool 10 isself-righting such that as it is dropped into pool 20 and starts tosubmerge in the direction of arrow S, water 18 will enter and air willexit interior cavity 50, and top 12 of stool 10 will move upwardly inthe direction of arrow R as seen in FIG. 4 until stool reaches theupright position illustrated in FIG. 1 .

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , an additional firstaperture 52′ may be formed in sidewall 22 at rear 30 of stool 10opposite first aperture 52, which may provide for additional water toflow into interior cavity 50 as stool 10 is submerged in pool 20.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , a channel 56 may beformed about a periphery of seat 26 and may be sloped downwardly from arear 57 of seat 26 toward front 32 of stool 32 such that water may flowoff of the front of seat 26 in the direction of arrows D, which may beadvantageous when stool 10 is positioned on a dry surface, such as thearea surrounding pool 20.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 , a plurality ofrecesses 58 may be formed in bottom 14 of stool 10, and each recess 58may receive a leg 60. A surface of each recess 58 may include threads62, which matingly engage threads 64 on an exterior of each leg 60. Legs60 may provide weight to stool 10 proximate bottom 14, thereby helpingmaintain stool 10 in its upright position when it is seated in pool 20,and may help right stool 10 when it is dropped into pool 20. In theillustrated embodiment, four recesses 58 are formed in bottom 14 ofstool 10, with mating legs 60 being received in each of the fourrecesses 58. It is to be appreciated that any desired number of recesses58 and mating legs 60 can be provided for stool 10.

Each leg 60 may include a weight 66 seated in a cover 68, with threads64 being formed on an exterior of cover 68. A cap 70 may be secured toan open top end 72 of cover 68, sealing insert 66 within a cavity 73formed in cover 68. Cap 70 and foot 78 may be formed of a plastic orelastomer, e.g., nylon, and cap 70 may be secured to foot 78 by sonicwelding or other suitable means. A bottom surface 80 of each foot 78 mayinclude a slot 82 into which a tool, for example, a proprietary tool ora flat-head screwdriver, may be inserted in order to more easily turnfoot 78 and position leg 60 at a desired height with respect to stool10.

In certain embodiments, weight 66 may be a cylindrical rod, and may beformed of metal, such as steel, for example. In certain embodiments,each weight 66 may weigh approximately 2 lbs. It is to be appreciatedthat weight 66 may be formed of any type of material, and may have anydesired weight. By positioning weights 66 in legs 60, the lower portionof stool 10 will weigh more than the upper portion of stool 10, therebyhelping stool 10 right itself to an upright condition when it is droppedin pool 20.

Bottom 14 of stool 10 may include A cleanout port 67 may extend throughbottom from interior cavity 50 to an exterior of stool 10, and may beused to clean out manufacturing debris, for example, in a post-moldingprocess while stool 10 is being formed. A port plug 69 may be receivedin cleanout port 67. In certain embodiments, port plug 69 may bepermanently secured within cleanout port, such as with an adhesive, forexample.

By providing threads on legs 60, the legs 60 can be positioned atdifferent heights, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , to accommodate fordifferences in the slope of bottom 16 of pool 20, thereby allowing stool10 to be positioned in an upright position even when bottom 16 does notextend horizontally. As seen in FIG. 8 , where bottom 16 of pool 20 issloped at angle P, two of the legs 60 are visible, with the leftmost leg60 seen here extended to a first distance L, and the rightmost leg 60extended a greater distance R.

Another embodiment of a stool 10A is illustrated in FIG. 9 . Stool 10Ais configured with a greater height H than that of stool 10 illustratedin FIGS. 1-3 in order to accommodate being positioned in pool 20 with agreater depth of water 18. Stool 10A, for example, may have a height HAof approximately 33 inches. Such an embodiment illustrates an example ofwhen the deck 48 of pool 20 is positioned approximately at bar heightwith respect to user 23 when they are seated on stool 10A.

Stool 10A may be configured such that bottom surface 36 of recess 34 isspaced upwardly from bottom 14 of stool 10A by a distance N. Stool 10Amay include a shelf 84 positioned between sidewalls 42, with bottomsurface 36 of recess 34 defining the top surface of shelf 84. A bottomrecess 86 may be formed in stool 10A beneath shelf 84, with firstaperture 52 being formed within recess 86 proximate bottom 14 of stool10A.

Another embodiment of stool 10 is shown in FIG. 10 , in which seat 26and bottom surface 36 of recess 34 are textured. It is to be appreciatedthat a textured surface may be formed on seat 26 and bottom surfaceduring manufacture of stool 10. In other embodiments, a first texturedsheet 88 may be secured to seat 26 and a second textured sheet 90 may besecured to bottom surface 36. First textured sheet 88 may be secured toseat 26 and second textured sheet 90 may be secured to bottom surface 36with an adhesive, for example.

An alternative embodiment of cover 68 for leg 60 is illustrated in FIGS.11-12 . In this embodiment, a plurality of thread clips 92 arepositioned along threads 64 of cover 68. Thread clips 92 may help ensurea tight tolerance fit with threads 62 of recesses 58 in stool 10, whilereducing surface area contact. Such a configuration can help provide atight fit while providing for smooth assembly of legs 60 with stool 10by the user. Thread clips 92 may be substantially U-shaped projectionsextending outwardly from threads 64, and may be formed integrally withthreads 64 when cover 68 is formed such that threads 64 and thread clips92 are of unitary, one-piece construction. In other embodiments, threadclaims 92 may be separate elements that engage threads 64 in a snap-fitor interference fit, or may be secure to threads 64 with adhesive, forexample. Thread clips 92 and cover 68 with threads 64 may be formed ofacrylonitrile styrene acrylate (“ASA”), or injection molded plastic, forexample. In certain embodiments, thread clips 92 may be positioned at90° intervals about cover 68 on every other thread 64.

Another embodiment of a stool 10B is illustrated in FIG. 13 , in whichan upper cavity 94 may be formed in stool 10B. Upper cavity 94 may bepositioned proximate top 12 of stool 10B, and may be positioned withinperipheral wall 24. A plurality of inserts 96 may be received in uppercavity 94. Inserts 96 may be formed of a lightweight material, which islighter than the material used to form stool 10B, and serve to helpstool 10B right itself when submerged in water. By having lightweightinserts 96 seated in cavity 94, the upper portion of stool 10B willweigh less than the lower portion of stool 10B, thereby helping stool10B right itself to an upright condition when it is dropped in pool 20.Inserts 96 may be formed of Styrofoam, for example. Other suitablematerials for inserts 96 will become readily apparent to those skilledin the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

Although first apertures 52, 52′ and second aperture 54 are not visiblehere, it is to be appreciated that this embodiment of stool 10B mayinclude such apertures, which may help stool 10B right itself whensubmerged in pool 20. Further, it is to be appreciated that theadditional embodiments of stool 10 described below, some of which areshown in schematic fashion, also may include such apertures even thoughsuch apertures are not visible in the drawings provided below.

Another embodiment of a stool 10C is illustrated in FIG. 14 , in which alower cavity 98 may be formed in stool 10C. Lower cavity 98 may bepositioned proximate bottom 14 of stool 10C. A plurality of weights 66Amay be received in lower cavity 98. Weights 66A may be formed of amaterial that is heavier than the material used to form stool 10B, andserve to help stool 12C right itself when submerged in water. By havingweights 66A seated in cavity 98, the lower portion of stool 12B willweigh more than the upper portion of stool 12C, thereby helping stool12C right itself to an upright condition when it is dropped in pool 20.Weights 66A may be sand, gravel, cement, ball bearings, or any othermaterial that would provide for additional weight within lover cavity98. Other suitable material for weights 66A will become readily apparentto those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

Another embodiment of a stool 10D is illustrated in FIGS. 15-16 , andmay include a body 11A defined by sidewall 22, and a base 104 spacedfrom body 11A. In such an embodiment, a bottom surface of base 104defines bottom 14 of stool 10D. A weight 66B may be seated in a recess106 formed in a top surface of base 104. Weight 66B may be a cylindricaldisk and may be formed of metal, for example, and helps provideadditional weight to a lower portion of stool 10D, thereby helpingensure that stool 10D rights itself to an upright position when it issubmerged in water.

Base 104 may be adjustably secured to body 11A by a plurality of legs60A extending between base 104 and body 11A. Legs 60A may be threadedrods 106 that allow for base 104 to be adjusted or angled with respectto body 11A, thereby allowing body 11A of stool 10D to be verticallyaligned when bottom 14 is seated on a sloped or inclined bottom 16 ofpool 20.

Legs 60A may extend through threaded female inserts 108 seated in thebottom of cavities 110 formed in a bottom of body 11A, such that upperends 112 of legs 60A are received in cavities 110. Lower ends 114 oflegs 60A may be received by pivotable knobs 116 that are seated incavities 118 formed in base 104. Cavities 118 may have a reducedthickness neck 120 in a central portion thereof, which prevents knobs116 from moving upwardly through cavities 118. By adjusting legs 60A todifferent heights, as seen in FIG. 16 , the user can ensure that body11A of stool 10D is vertically aligned when bottom 16 of pool 20 issloped or inclined.

Another embodiment of a stool 10E is illustrated in FIGS. 17-18 , andmay include a body 11B defined by sidewall 22. A plurality of adjustablelegs 60B may extend downwardly from bottom 14 of body 11B of stool 10E.In the illustrated embodiment four legs 60B are positioned about bottom14. However, it is to be appreciated that any number of legs 60B can bepositioned about bottom 14.

Each leg 60B may be telescopically received in a leg housing 122 securedto bottom 14 of stool 10E. Legs 60B may be hollow cylindrical members,and may be formed of metal, e.g., aluminum. A plurality of apertures 124may extend in a row along each leg 60B. A retractable button 126 on eachleg housing 122 may be selectively received in one of apertures 124 inleg 60B as leg 60B is moved upwardly or downwardly and telescopinglyreceived in leg housing 122. An upper end 128 of each leg 60B may bereceived in a cavity 130 formed in bottom 14 of stool 10E as leg 60Bmoves upwardly and downwardly with respect to leg housing 122. As seenin FIG. 18 , by adjusting the heights of legs 60B, body 11B of stool 10Ecan be maintained in an upright vertical position when legs 60B areseated on an inclined or sloped bottom 16 of pool 20.

A recess 132 may be formed in a central portion of bottom 14 of body11B, and may serve to receive a weight 66C. A net 136 may be suspendedbeneath recess 132, and may serve to retain weight 66C within recess132. Net 136 may be formed of a flexible, stretchable material such assilicone, for example, which allows a user to easily insert and removeweight 66C. Net 136 may be suspended from posts 138 extending outwardlyfrom bottom 14 around recess 132. Weight 66C may have any desiredconfiguration such as a bag filled with sand or ball bearings, or aweighted disc, for example. The use of weight 66C may allow the lowerportion of stool 10E to weigh more than the upper portion of stool 10E,thereby helping stool 10E right itself to an upright condition when itis dropped in pool 20.

A tread 140 may be secured to the bottom of each leg 60B to provide gripand traction on bottom 16 of pool 20. Tread 140 may be formed of rubberor any other suitable soft and pliable material that can provide gripand traction for leg 60B on bottom 16.

Another embodiment of a stool 10F is illustrated in FIGS. 19-20 , andmay include a body 11C defined by sidewall 22. A base 104A may besecured to body 11C by way of a projection 144 extending upwardly frombase 104A that is received in a mating recess 146 formed in a bottom ofbody 11C. Projection 144 and recess 146 may engage one another in apress-fit or interference manner so as to secure base 104A to body 11C.It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments projection 144 couldbe formed on body 11C and recess 146 could be formed in base 104A.

Base 104A may be formed of a flexible and pliable material, such assilicone, for example, that allows its bottom 14 to be altered to adaptto inclined or sloped bottom 16 of pool 20. A weight 66D may be receivedin base 104A, and may serve to allow the lower portion of stool 10F toweigh more than the upper portion of stool 10F, thereby helping stool10F right itself to an upright condition when it is dropped in pool 20.Weight 66D may be sand, for example, which can easily conform to thechanging shape of the bottom 14. As seen in FIG. 20 , when bottom 16 ofpool 20 is sloped or inclined, bottom 14 of base 104A can shift andconform to mate with the sloped surface of bottom 16, thereby helpingensure that body 11C of stool 12F maintains its upright verticalposition.

In certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 21 , second aperture 54may be spaced downwardly from a top of peripheral wall 24 such that whenwater 18 fills interior cavity 50, a pocket 150 of air will be trappedbeneath top 12 and peripheral wall 24 of stool 10, which will make theupper portion of stool 10 weigh less than the lower portion of stool 1,0thereby helping stool 10 right itself to an upright condition when it isdropped in pool 20.

Another embodiment of a stool 10G is illustrated in FIGS. 22-23 , withstool 10G including a body 11D and a base 104B positioned below body11D. Base 104B may include a central projection 152 that extendsupwardly through an aperture 154 formed in a bottom of body 11D into aninterior of body 11D. A plurality of columns of body apertures 156 maybe formed in body 11D. Pins 158 may be removably inserted through bodyapertures 156 into base apertures 160 formed in base 104B, whicharranged in a plurality of columns. By selectively inserting pins 158 indifferent body apertures 156 and base apertures 160, base 104B can betilted with respect to body 11D so that bottom 14 of stool can be seatedflush on an inclined bottom 16 of pool 20 while body 11D of stool 10G isin a vertical upright position.

A weight 66E may be positioned on base 104B. By providing weight 66E onbase 104 b, the lower portion of stool 10G in configured to weigh morethan the upper portion of stool 10G, thereby helping stool 10G rightitself to an upright condition when it is dropped in pool 20. Weight 66Emay be a ring seated in an annular recess 162. In other embodiments,weight 66E may be a ring shaped container, e.g., a bag, into whichweighted elements (e.g., sand, ball bearings, rocks, gravel) may bepositioned.

Another embodiment of a stool 10H is seen in FIGS. 24-26 , and mayinclude a plurality of legs 60C. Each leg 60C may include a base 164with exterior threads 166. Covers 68A for legs 60C may include internalthreads 168 that mate with exterior threads 166 when cover 68A isthreaded onto base 164. In certain embodiments, four legs 60C areprovided on bottom 14 of stool 10H. It is to be appreciated that anynumber of legs 60C can be provided on stool 10H.

A cavity 170 may be formed on bottom 14 of body 11 of stool 10H. A cover172 may seal cavity 170, and a removable plug 174 may be threadinglyreceived in cover 172. A slot 176 may be formed in plug 174 such that aproprietary tool or a screwdriver, for example, can be used to unthreadand remove plug 174. Weights 66F may be seated in cavity 170 and providethe lower portion of stool 10H with more weight than the upper portionof stool 10H, thereby helping stool 10H right itself to an uprightcondition when it is dropped in pool 20. Weights 66F may be rocks,gravel, ball bearings, sand, or any other weighted elements.

As illustrated in FIG. 26 , by adjusting the amount that each cover 68Ais threaded onto its respective base 164, the total height LH of eachassembled leg 60C can be different than the other legs 60C so that stool10H can be in an upright vertical position when it is seated on aninclined bottom 16 of pool 20.

Another embodiment of a stool 10J is illustrated in FIGS. 27-28 , inwhich legs 60D are formed as spheres seated in recesses 178 formed inbottom 14 of body 11 of stool 10J. The diameter DL of the individuallegs 60D can be varied to accommodate the inclined bottom 16 of pool 20.Legs 60 may be formed of rubber or any other suitable soft and pliablematerial that can provide grip and traction for legs 60D on bottom 16.

Another embodiment of a stool 10K is illustrated in FIGS. 29-30 , andincludes a body 11E and a base 104C pivotally secured to base 11E. Base104C and body 11E may be pivotally secured in any manner, such as with aball and socket (not visible), for example. Body 11E may have a bottomsurface 180 that is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis L ofstool 10K, and base 104C has top surface 182 that is also angled withrespect to longitudinal axis L. Bottom surface 180 and top surface 182are angled the same amount with respect to longitudinal axis L such thatthey abut one another as base 104C is rotated with respect to body 11E,as illustrated by arrow R in FIG. 29 .

By angling bottom surface 180 and top surface 182, the bottom 14 ofstool 10K can be varied from a horizontal position as seen in FIG. 29 ,to an inclined position as seen in FIG. 30 , which allows body 11E ofstool 10K to maintain its upright vertical position whether bottom 16 ofpool 20 is horizontal as seen in FIG. 29 or inclined as seen in FIG. 30.

Another embodiment of a stool 10L is illustrated in FIG. 31 . In thisembodiment, body 11F may be connected to base 104D by way of a shaft 184having threads 186 that are received in mating threads formed in body11F (not visible). Thus, body 11F can be vertically adjusted withrespect to base 104D, allowing stool 10L to be configured for differentdepths of pool 20.

Weights 66G may be seated within base 104D so that the lower portion ofstool 10L will weigh more than the upper portion of stool 10L, therebyhelping stool 10L right itself to an upright condition when it isdropped in pool 20. Weights 66G may be rocks, gravel, ball bearings,sand, or any other weighted elements.

Legs 60 may be provided in base 104D at bottom 14 of stool 10L, and theymay be threaded, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6-8 , so thatthe height of individual legs 60 can be adjusted. In other embodiments,as illustrated in FIG. 32 , a set or kit of legs 60E having differentlengths can be provided for base 104D so that stool 10L. Thus, in eitherembodiment stool 10L can be configured to remain in an upright verticalposition when bottom 16 of pool 20 is inclined.

Another embodiment of a stool 10M is illustrated in FIG. 33 , in whichlegs 60F include a shaft 188 and a foot 190 at a bottom of shaft 188.Shaft 188 may include a series of apertures 194 that selectively receivea pin 196 extending inwardly into housing 11 through an aperture 194. Toadjust the height of leg 60F, pin 196 may be pulled outwardly in thedirection of arrow T such that pin 196 is pulled out of an aperture 194in leg 60 F. Leg 60F can then be vertically adjusted to a new height,and pin 196 can then be inserted into a new aperture 194 along shaft188. Thus, legs 60F can be individually adjusted to different heights toaccommodate an inclined bottom 16 of pool 20.

Another embodiment of a stool 10N is illustrated in FIGS. 34-35 , inwhich each of a plurality of legs 60G is racetrack shaped with a centralslot 200. Each of a plurality of threaded knobs 202 may extend throughsidewall 22 of body 11 of stool 10N and be threadingly engaged at adesired position along slot 200 of a corresponding leg 60G. Thus, eachleg 60G can be vertically adjusted to a proper height so that body 11 ofstool 10N can maintain its vertical orientation when bottom 16 of pool20 is inclined.

As illustrated in FIG. 35 a tread 204 may be secured to the bottom ofeach leg 60G to provide grip and traction on bottom 16 of pool 20. Tread204 may be formed of rubber or any other suitable soft and pliablematerial that can provide grip and traction for leg 60G on bottom 16.

Legs 60 G may be formed of metal so that they act as weights to helpstool 10N right itself when it is dropped in pool 20.

Various embodiments of a submergible stool have been described herein,which include various components and features. In other embodiments, thesubmergible stool may be provided with any combination of suchcomponents and features. It is also understood that in otherembodiments, the various devices, components, and features of thesubmergible stool described herein may be constructed with similarstructural and functional elements having different configurations,including different ornamental appearances.

Those having skill in the art, with the knowledge gained from thepresent disclosure, will recognize that various changes can be made tothe disclosed apparatuses and methods in attaining these and otheradvantages, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As such, it should be understood that the features described herein aresusceptible to modification, alteration, changes, or substitution. Forexample, it is expressly intended that all combinations of thoseelements and/or steps which perform substantially the same function, insubstantially the same way, to achieve the same results are within thescope of the embodiments described herein. Substitutions of elementsfrom one described embodiment to another are also fully intended andcontemplated. The specific embodiments illustrated and described hereinare for illustrative purposes only, and not limiting of that which isset forth in the appended claims. Other embodiments will be evident tothose of skill in the art. It should be understood that the foregoingdescription is provided for clarity only and is merely exemplary. Thespirit and scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the aboveexamples, but is encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A submergible device comprising: a body includinga top, a bottom spaced from the top, and a sidewall extending betweenthe top and the bottom and defining an enclosed interior cavityextending between the top, the bottom, and the sidewall; a firstaperture formed in the sidewall proximate the bottom and extending fromthe enclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the device; an additionalfirst aperture formed in the sidewall proximate the bottom and oppositethe first aperture, and extending from the enclosed cavity to anexterior of the device; a second aperture formed in the sidewallproximate the top and extending from the enclosed interior cavity to anexterior of the device, a peripheral wall extending upwardly about aportion of the top and defining a seat, the second aperture being formedin the peripheral wall; and a recess extending inwardly from an outersurface of the sidewall and including a bottom surface and a rear wallextending upwardly and inwardly from a rear edge of the bottom surface;wherein the apertures are positioned such that when the device is placedin a body of water, water will flow into the interior cavity through thefirst aperture and the additional first aperture, air will be forced outof the second aperture, and the device will sink to a bottom of the bodyof water in an upright position.
 2. The submergible device of claim 1,wherein the bottom surface of the recess slopes downwardly from the rearedge to a front edge thereof.
 3. The submergible device of claim 1,wherein the bottom surface of the recess is textured.
 4. The submergibledevice of claim 1, wherein the seat is textured.
 5. The submergibledevice of claim 1, further comprising a channel formed about a peripheryof the seat, the channel being pitched downwardly from a rear of theseat toward a front of the device such that water will flow off the seattoward the bottom.
 6. The submergible device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a plurality of threaded recesses extending upwardly into thebottom; a plurality of legs, each leg received in one of the recessesand comprising: a cover including exterior threads engaging threads ofthe one of the recesses and a cavity; and a weight received in thecavity of the cover.
 7. A submergible device comprising: a bodyincluding a top, a bottom spaced from the top, and a sidewall extendingbetween the top and the bottom and defining an enclosed interior cavityextending between the top, the bottom, and the sidewall; a firstaperture formed in the sidewall proximate the bottom and extending fromthe enclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the device; a secondaperture formed in the sidewall proximate the top and extending from theenclosed interior cavity to an exterior of the device; a base spacedfrom the bottom of the body; and a plurality of legs extending betweenthe base and the body; wherein the apertures are positioned such thatwhen the device is placed in a body of water, water will flow into theinterior cavity through the first aperture, air will be forced out ofthe second aperture, and the device will sink to a bottom of the body ofwater in an upright position.
 8. The submergible device of claim 7,further comprising a weight seated in a recess formed in a top surfaceof the base.
 9. The submergible device of claim 7, wherein the legs arethreaded rods.
 10. The submergible device of claim 7, furthercomprising: a plurality of cavities formed in the bottom of the body, anupper end of each leg being received in an insert received in one of thecavities in the body; and a plurality of cavities formed in the base; alower end of each leg including a pivotable knob received in one of thecavities in the base.
 11. The submergible device of claim 10, whereineach cavity in the base includes a reduced thickness neck portion, eachof the pivotable knobs of the legs being positioned below one of thereduced thickness neck portions in a corresponding cavity in the base.12. A submergible device comprising: a body including a top, a bottomspaced from the top, and a sidewall extending between the top and thebottom and defining an enclosed interior cavity extending between thetop, the bottom, and the sidewall; a first aperture formed in thesidewall proximate the bottom and extending from the enclosed interiorcavity to an exterior of the device; a second aperture formed in thesidewall proximate the top and extending from the enclosed interiorcavity to an exterior of the device; a plurality of telescoping legsextending downwardly from the bottom of the body; wherein the aperturesare positioned such that when the device is placed in a body of water,water will flow into the interior cavity through the first aperture, airwill be forced out of the second aperture, and the device will sink to abottom of the body of water in an upright position.
 13. The submergibledevice of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of leg housingssecured to the bottom of the body, each of the legs being received inone of the leg housings.
 14. The submergible device of claim 13,wherein: each leg is hollow and cylindrical, and includes a plurality ofapertures extending in a row, and each leg housing includes aretractable button selectively receivable in the apertures in one of thelegs.
 15. The submergible device of claim 12, wherein an upper end ofeach leg may move upwardly and downwardly within a cavity formed in thebottom of the body.
 16. The submergible device of claim 12, furthercomprising a thread secured to a bottom of each leg.
 17. The submergibledevice of claim 12, further comprising: a recess formed in a centralportion of the bottom of the body; and a weight received in the recess.18. The submergible device of claim 17, further comprising a netsuspended from the body beneath the weight and configured to retain theweight within the recess.
 19. The submergible device of claim 18,further comprising a plurality of posts extending outwardly from thebottom of the body, the net being suspended from the posts.
 20. Thesubmergible device of claim 17, wherein the weight comprises a bag.